Economics

Today's economists face globally competitive and increasingly complex environments. Universität Hamburg's "Master of Science in Economics" (MSc) programme responds effectively to these developments. It provides thorough and rigorous training in modern economic theories and techniques. It attaches great importance to quantitative skills and emphasises state-of-the-art methods of empirical research. It encourages applied work and relates it to policy. The acquired tools and research skills prepare students for real-world economic situations and challenges. The programme is taught completely in English. It provides sound training in best practice methods of mainstream economics. Opportunities for optional in-depth studies in areas of personal interest initiate a gradual transition to independent research. The programme is designed for careers in higher education, research, or consultancy on both national and international levels.

Educational organisation

The regular two-year version of the programme is structured as follows:
1. Three research-oriented core courses in the first semester (Advanced Microeconomics, Advanced Macroeconomics, and Advanced Econometrics).
2. Five optional courses in theoretical and applied economics in the second and third semester, respectively. Likely options are Business Cycle Theory, Economic Growth, Forecasting, International Economics, DSGE Modelling, Financial Economics, Real Option Theory, Public Choice, Political Economy, Public Finance, Game Theory, History of Economic Thought.
3. Research training through a Master's thesis in the fourth semester

Students with a four-year Bachelor's degree, i.e. a primary degree of 240 ECTS credit points, can shorten the programme to one year subject to approval from the programme director. Part-time study is also possible.

Study abroad unit(s)

In their second semester, students may participate in the international exchange programme with "The Scottish Graduate Programme in Economics". This programme combines the research and teaching expertise of eight established Scottish universities. Up to five optional courses in areas such as Environmental Economics, Financial Economics, Economics of Transition, Development Economics, Industrial Economics, Labour Economics, etc. can be studied. Currently, the Scottish programme is located in the beautiful and historic city of Edinburgh.
In cooperation with the Department of Economics at the University of Essex, the MSc in Economics programme at Universität Hamburg offers a double degree option for Master's students.
Students interested in an internationally orientated course of studies will be given the opportunity of spending one year each in Germany and the UK in order to obtain a Master's degree from both universities. The degree programme is aimed at those students who are particularly motivated and have an excellent academic record.

Forms of assessment

Written or oral examinations are possible.

Course objectives

Upon successful completion of the MSc programme, students with a strong academic record can continue their education by writing a doctoral dissertation under the supervision of a faculty member. Research interests originating from the Master's thesis may be the point of departure for a PhD thesis, but this is not required.

Language requirements

Proof of English language skills through:

• proof of at least eight subsequent years of English lessons at a German school, or
• proof of a Bachelor's degree (or equivalent) in a college or university programme taught in English, or
• TOEFL internet-based test: 90 points

Alternatively:

• International English Language Testing System (IELTS) - Academic: Band 6.5, Good Competent user
• Cambridge Certificate of Advanced English (CAE): Results A,B,C
• Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE): Results A,B,C
• Cambridge Higher Business English Certificate (BEC) Results A,B,C

Academic requirements

Admission requirements
I) Primary degree
Admission to the Master's programme Economics (MSc) at Universität Hamburg requires a Bachelor's degree (or a comparable university degree).
For detailed admission requirements and application procedure, see https://www.wiso.uni-hamburg.de/studienbueros/wiwi/msceconomics/application/.

II) Applicants with a degree from institutions other than those under I) with some advanced training in economics:
You can apply for the Master's programme Economics (MSc) at Universität Hamburg if
you have completed sufficient training in advanced economic analysis (courses not yet completed cannot be considered).

• at least two lectures* in general economics, i.e., basic micro- and macroeconomics
• at least three lectures* in mathematics, statistics, and econometrics (of which there is at least one in mathematics and one in statistics or econometrics)
• at least three lectures* on advanced topics in economics, of which at least one must cover predominantly theoretical issues and at least one other must cover predominantly applied issues.

*A lecture is defined to consist of approx. 14 units of 90 minutes each and to have a content comparable to the standards of teaching at Universität Hamburg. You have to submit the syllabus of each lecture along with a simple copy of your most recent transcript of records.

The lectures in mathematics, statistics and econometrics may be substituted with a GRE General test result of at least 700 points in the quantitative section, a GRE revised General Test with at least 155 points in the quantitative section or with a GRE Mathematics test of at least 700 points.
A lecture should be comprised of at least two hours per week over the course of one semester.
Also, send proof of English language proficiency, in one of the following forms

• proof of at least eight subsequent years of English lessons at a German school
• proof of a Bachelor's degree (or similar) in a programme taught in English
• proof of a TOEFL score of at least 90 (or equivalent)

III) Other applicants with a degree in mathematics, sciences or engineering:
You can apply for the Master's programme Economics (MSc) at Universität Hamburg if
a) you have completed (or will complete prior to 30 September) a Bachelor's degree in mathematics, sciences or engineering and
b) your final grade (or your current average grade) is at least "gut" (2.5 or better) or "B-" (submit a simple copy of your Bachelor's certificate and your (most recent) transcript of records.)

• lectures* on linear algebra and analysis
• lectures on statistics

OR

• lectures* on econometrics

The lectures may be substituted with a GRE General test result of at least 700 points in the quantitative section, a GRE revised General Test with at least 155 points in the quantitative section or with a GRE Mathematics test of at least 700 points.
*A lecture should be comprised of at least two hours per week over the course of one semester. Also, send proof of English language proficiency, in one of the following forms:

• proof of at least eight subsequent years of English lessons at a German school
• proof of a Bachelor's degree (or similar) in a programme taught in English
• proof of a TOEFL score of at least 90 (or equivalent)

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Want to improve your English level for admission?

Prepare for the program requirements with English Online by the British Council.

• ✔️ Flexible study schedule
• ✔️ Experienced teachers
• ✔️ Certificate upon completion

📘 Recommended for students with an IELTS level of 6.0 or below.

Enroll in the course

Enrolment fees

There is a semester fee of 310 EUR per semester. This fee includes a semester ticket covering public transport in the Hamburg metropolitan area.

Costs of living

We recommend that single students budget at least 800 EUR per month to meet personal expenses (accommodation, living, health insurance, books).

Job opportunities

Generally, students who enrol in a full-time programme will only have limited time for part-time jobs.
As a rule, students who hold an international student visa may work for up to 120 full days or 240 half days per year. Further information on work regulations for international students at Universität Hamburg can be found here: http://www.uni-hamburg.de/piasta/beratung_e.html.

Funding opportunities within the university

International full-time students may apply for merit scholarships or exam grants of Universität Hamburg. For more information, please use the provided link. We also recommend contacting our colleagues in the Department of International Affairs for further guidance.
http://www.uni-hamburg.de/internationales/studieren-an-der-uhh/finanzierung-des-studiums_e.html

Arrival support

Students and researchers can find information on how to get started in Hamburg on the website of the PIASTA programme at the Universität Hamburg Department of International Affairs (http://www.uni-hamburg.de/piasta_e.html) and on the website of the Hamburg Welcome Center (http://english.welcome.hamburg.de).
During the International Welcome Week organised by PIASTA, you will be able to get in touch with all the important institutions and contacts that are particularly useful for international students. See: http://www.uni-hamburg.de/piasta/veranstaltungen/international-welcome-week_e.html.

Services and support for international students

The Universität Hamburg CampusCenter is the first port of call for all current and prospective students and offers information, services, and counselling. The PIASTA programme at the Universität Hamburg Department of International Affairs offers support and advice for German and international students, as well as cultural events and workshops.
For more information, refer to: http://www.uni-hamburg.de/piasta and https://www.uni-hamburg.de/en/campuscenter.html.
The welcome service of the Universität Hamburg Department of International Affairs is the first contact address for international visiting researchers and others. See: http://www.uni-hamburg.de/internationales/wissenschaft/service-international_e.html.

Accommodation

Accommodation is available through the "Studierendenwerk" (students' services) or on the private market. The "Studierendenwerk" provides rooms in halls of residence, most of which are single rooms with shared kitchens and showers/WCs. We strongly advise students and researchers to arrange accommodation prior to arriving in Hamburg, as demand for affordable accommodation is sometimes larger than supply.
For more information on how to find accommodation and how to plan your first steps in Hamburg, please refer to: https://www.uni-hamburg.de/piasta/beratung/doc/willkommen.pdf.